Studying in Singapore for Malaysians

28.7% of Singapore’s male labour force possesses tertiary education qualifications while only 20% of Malaysian counterparts do so

Results from Programme for International Student Assessments (PISA) differentiate both country’s educational system. Singapore is ranked second in the world in Math, Science and Reading while Malaysia is ranked 48th, 48th, and 57th respectively.

Transmission of conventional knowledge

Worksheets, textbooks, mastery, and understanding of processes and procedures are well emphasised on in all Singapore schools.

Emotional and social support

In every Singapore school, there will be at least a school counsellor that works closely with the management of the school to ensure the wellbeing of students. Counsellors are able to identify students who are at high risk in emotional and social areas and provide the necessary support.

Well-trained and best-in-class teachers

Every teacher in Singapore has to be trained in the National Institute of Education (NIE)before being qualified as a teacher. Trainings in the NIE are specially provided for the specific subjects that the individual wishes to go for and it emphasises on the mastery of that subject’s content.

Malaysian Primary (excluding primary 1)/ Secondary school students:

Must complete and attain an acceptable result in the Admission Exercise for the International Students (AEIS) or the Supplementary Admission Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS).

Find out more about the AEIS test format here.

Malaysian Primary 1 students / Junior college students:

For students entering Primary 1, do take note of the relevant dates that will be stated on the Ministry of Education website. International students can take part in the Primary 1 Registration Exercise during this period of time and will be notified in October if their child can be offered a place in the chosen Primary school.

For students looking to enroll for a Junior College, you are to directly apply to the chosen school in question during the application period.

Malaysian tertiary education students:

It is compulsory for all foreign students to complete 12 years of primary and secondary school education and possess an official secondary school-level qualification as well as a base level of proficiency in English for any students who wish to pursue tertiary education.

Students will also have to complete certain entry requirement tests based on the specific courses of study they have chosen to pursue in.

All general foreigners:

All students who have been accepted by a government, government-aided or independent school are to possess a Student’s Pass which can be made online. Further clarification on this matter may be provided by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Vaccinations against Measles and Diphtheria are to be taken for every student aged 12 and below before receiving the Student’s Pass.